Get ready for a flavorful journey with Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers. They’re the perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory, sure to transform any meal into an unforgettable experience. With just a few simple ingredients, these skewers bring a punch of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Flavor: Each bite of these Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers is an explosion of spicy and sweet goodness.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just a few steps, you’ll have a gourmet dish in under an hour.
- Crowd Pleaser: These skewers make a fantastic appetizer or main course that everyone will love.
- Versatile: Perfect for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or fancy gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is as delightful as it is simple. With a handful of ingredients that you probably already have, each one brings something special to the table, amplifying the texture and taste of your Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers.
- Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show, make sure they are fresh or well-thawed for the best texture.
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: Essential for grilling, this helps prevent sticking and promotes beautiful grill marks.
- Light Mayo: Adds creaminess to the sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides the sweetness and a gentle heat that balances the sauce.
- Sriracha: Packs a punch bringing the heat component, adjust to taste for spiciness.
- Scallions: A fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
Variations
Feel the freedom to experiment with this recipe and make it uniquely yours. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or just craving a twist, these variations are simple and fun to try.
- Cajun Style: Add a Cajun spice rub to the shrimp for an extra kick and depth of flavor.
- Lower Heat: Swap sriracha for a milder hot sauce if you prefer a gentler heat.
- Vegetarian Variant: Use firm tofu or grilled vegetables in place of shrimp for a plant-based delight.
How to Make Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers hold together beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This spicy-sweet sauce is the heart of the dish, so don’t skip it! Keep it aside until you’re ready to slather it over your freshly grilled shrimp.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread your plump, juicy shrimp onto the soaked skewers, allowing space at either end. Brush them generously with canola oil on both sides to ensure they don’t stick while grilling. Prepare to grill these beauties to perfection!
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat the grill to high and place the skewers onto the grates. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re perfect when they’re pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them—they grill quickly!
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
As soon as the shrimp are off the grill, brush each one with your prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring each side is covered. Serve these delectable skewers immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every sizzling bite!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
- Perfect Timing: Ensure your shrimp are grilled just until pink to keep them tender and juicy.
- Sauce Reserve: Keep some sauce on the side to serve with the grilled shrimp for even more bang bang flavor.
- Skewer Soaking: Always soak your skewers as it prevents them from catching fire and facilitates even cooking.
- Custom Spiciness: Adjust the sriracha amount to cater to your spice preference and kick it up or down a notch.
How to Serve Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers
Garnishes
Top these skewers with freshly sliced scallions for a burst of fresh, herbal flavor, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty touch. Both add a dash of elegance and a hint of crunch that complements the succulent shrimp perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers with a crisp, refreshing salad or serve them over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. A side of grilled vegetables also makes a spectacular accompaniment, adding color and flavor to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a standout dish by arranging your skewers on a large platter and decorating with edible flowers or colorful bell pepper slices. Serve them alongside small bowls of additional bang bang sauce for dipping fun, ensuring a visually enticing and delectable presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors meld beautifully, making for a delightful cold snack or an easy reheat meal.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy these skewers fresh, you can freeze cooked shrimp skewers for up to a month. Wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn, and defrost thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave will do, although be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or use a quick thaw method by placing them in a bowl of cold water before grilling.
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Is it possible to make the sauce less spicy?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a milder hot sauce. Taste as you go to find your preferred level of heat.
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What wine pairs well with these skewers?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a vibrant rose would complement the bold flavors of the shrimp perfectly, highlighting the sauce’s sweet and spicy notes.
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Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
You can certainly prepare the skewers and sauce a few hours in advance, keeping them chilled in the refrigerator. When ready, simply grill and sauce them fresh for the best result.
Final Thoughts
Give your taste buds an unforgettable treat with Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers. They’re simple, flavorful, and sure to impress at any occasion. Dive into the spicy-sweet goodness and share the love with friends and family!
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Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 10 skewers
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Skewers offer a perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors. Juicy grilled shrimp are coated in a tangy and spicy sauce, making them an ideal appetizer or main dish for a quick summer cookout or dinner.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Skewers
- 1 pound of thawed jumbo shrimp (about 30 shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
- Medium wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
Sauce
- 1/3 cup light mayo
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
Garnish
- Scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Soak skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. After soaking, remove and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat grill: Preheat the grill to high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface for searing the shrimp.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside for later.
- Skewer shrimp: Thread about 3 shrimp per skewer, leaving approximately an inch of space at each end for handling.
- Oil shrimp: Brush both sides of the shrimp with canola or vegetable oil to prevent sticking and promote even grilling.
- Grill shrimp: Place skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning once, until the shrimp are bright pink and opaque.
- Remove and sauce: Carefully remove the skewers from the grill. Brush each skewer generously with the bang bang sauce, covering both sides.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and extra sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to soak the wooden skewers beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha in the sauce.
- These skewers are best served immediately while hot and juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 3-4 shrimp)
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
